This study will attempt to determine if remote sensing analysis of digital imagery collected and maintained by the USDA's National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) is comparatively accurate to traditional line intercept field data collection and analysis methods for monitoring canopy cover of the exotic invasive Macartney Rose (Rosa Bracteata) in the Texas Coastal Prairie. To accomplish this, line intercept data collected in 2012 and 2014 will be compared with remote sensing interpretations of digital imagery from the corresponding year using traditional double sampling statistical analysis. There are two major distinctions between this and previous research on the subject. The first fundamental difference is this study utilizes free, publicly available imagery versus costly custom flights and image processing. The second is that the remote sensing interpretations will be statistically compared with ground data in order to determine a relationship between the two, instead of using a visual comparison of remote sensing output and aerial photographs. Macartney Rose has negative ecological and economic impacts on rangelands and pastures throughout southeastern Texas. If viable, remote sensing can provide more economical, comprehensive vegetation monitoring information to land managers and owners. This information can potentially assist stakeholders who wish to assess or improve vegetation management practices, leading to improved ecological condition and forage productivity.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.